The Army-Navy Game, traditionally scheduled for the second Saturday of December since 2009, has sparked recent debates concerning College Football Playoff (CFP) scheduling due to its unique timing. In a shift from recent practices, Army’s coach Jeff Monken proposed moving this historic rivalry game to Thanksgiving weekend, allowing the CFP to commence earlier.

The competition, known as ‘America’s Game’, usually takes place following the conference championship games to preserve its own viewing time. The event’s grandeur and tradition have historically justified its standalone scheduling. However, as discussions grow regarding an earlier conclusion to the college football season, Monken suggested that moving the Army-Navy Game to Thanksgiving is essential.

“There isn’t a desire for the college football season to extend until late January,” Monken stated. “There’s a strong aspiration for us to finish within one semester and host the championship game on January 1, which I believe would be fantastic.”

Due to the CFP’s design to avoid conflicting with NFL broadcasts and to afford teams a full week of preparation between matches, the upcoming playoff schedule features extended breaks (up to two weeks between rounds) and national championships slated for January 25 and January 24. The expansion of the playoff from four to twelve teams has only prolonged the season further into winter.

Should the Army-Navy Game reschedule to Thanksgiving weekend or even coincide with conference championships, the CFP could start a week sooner, alleviating concerns about late winter championship games.

Nevertheless, any adjustment to this long-standing tradition may face resistance. Recently, President Donald Trump announced intentions to sign an executive order to avert any football match competing against the Army-Navy Game. This decision followed an instance where an undercard bowl premiered half an hour after the 2025 Army-Navy Game.

“Army-Navy is an integral part of college football history and identity today,” Monken emphasized. “Allocate a four-hour slot Thanksgiving Day, or on the Friday or Saturday following, and ensure that no other games occur during that time. This still maintains the game’s integrity.”

The Army-Navy series launched in 1890 and has been conducted each year since 1930. Navy currently leads the all-time series at 64 wins to 55, having claimed victory in the last two contests, including a nail-biting 17-16 matchup in the previous season.

CBS Sports has held the rights to broadcast the Army-Navy Game since 1996 and will continue to do so through 2038. The 2026 game is scheduled for December 12 at MetLife Stadium, commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.